The 11 Best Drugstore Bronzers of 2020

You don’t have to go on vacation to get sun-kissed skin—just a couple swipes of bronzer will do the trick. And while that may sound easy enough, we know that finding the right bronzer for your skin tone and price point can be difficult. That’s why we’ve compiled the best drugstore bronzers ranging from light to dark and everything in between. Oh, and did we mention they are all under $25?

Looking for a matte finish to deepen your existing tan? Or is a shimmery powder more what you’re after? Whatever your preference—a full-on tan or just a bit of a healthy glow—these drugstore bronzers will instantly transform dull skin into a luminous I-just-got-back-from-vacation complexion. Simply brush a bit on your cheeks, forehead, and the bridge of your nose, et voilà.

Read on for our picks of the best drugstore bronzers.

Best Overall: Rimmel London Natural Bronzer

This warm-toned bronzer is a drugstore staple, full stop. Wear semi-sheer for everyday use or layer it on for a deeply bronzed effect. The powder is waterproof and wears for up to 10 hours—just a few of the reasons why we love it so.

Runner-Up, Best Overall: Covergirl TruBlend Bronzer

A blend of micro-fine pigments, this golden brown bronzer from Covergirl adds radiance to the skin thanks to a subtle dose of shimmer.

Best Matte: NYX Professional Makeup Matte Bronzer

With five different shades, all perfectly mixed to mimic a real tan, NYX Professional Makeup's matte bronzer gives off a realistic glow.

Best Value: Maybelline City Bronzer

Formulated with finely milled pigments and whipped cocoa butter, this bronzer has a super soft matte finish that makes it look (and feel!) much more expensive than it actually is. Plus, it doubles as a contour powder, so the possibilities for elevating your look are endless.

Best Streak-Free: Milani Baked Bronzer

We're already big fans of Milani's highlighter here at Byrdie, so it's no surprise that this bronzer delivers a similar lit-from-within glow. Baked on Italian terracotta tiles, it comes in three shades and goes on streak-free for a warm, natural finish.

Best for Fair Skin: Wet n Wild Color Icon Bronzer

This cool-toned bronzer is perfect for fair skin tones who are afraid of looking orange. Just make sure not to drop the product (it will lift out of the pan), but at this price point, it's a total steal.

Best for Deep Skin: Physicians Formula Murumuru Butter Butter Bronzer in Deep

A beauty-editor favorite, the cushiony creamy texture of this bronzer makes it super blendable, allowing for a lovely natural finish. Plus, it smells delicious.

Best with Brush: Pixi by Petra Beauty Bronzer + Kabuki in Summertime

pixi by petra bronzer and kabuki — Courtesy of Pixi Beauty

Pixi's bronzer in the color Summertime is a great drugstore option for those with fair to light skin. However, we recommend applying said bronzer with a light hand, as a little goes a long way.

Best Cream: W3ll People Bio Bronzer Stick

If you're looking for a bronzer that will last from morning till night, try a cream bronzer like W3ll People's stick. Not only does this bronzer have major staying power, but it also blends in for a realistic, sun-kissed finish.

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Best Shimmer: L'Oréal True Match Lumi Bronze It Bronzer

For a sun-kissed glow ASAP, snag this bronzer from L'Oreal, which has a slight shimmer that never looks unnatural or overwhelming. Plus, it's formulated in three shades for light, medium, and deep skin tones.

Best Quad: e.l.f. Bronzer

Create a healthy glow with this 4-in-1 bronzer compact that is neither dark nor light. Simply add to your face's high points for a glow befitting vacation.

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